Staff-less-shire Police Report Disclosures

Your vehicle has been stolen (or other crime committed against you) and your insurer has asked for a copy of the crime report. If your insurer is not subject to the Staffordshire police selective disclosure process (electing to release to some, not others) they may find the report withheld due to the constabulary’s ‘unforeseen‘ staffing issues.

This apparent inability to recruit has also affected collision reports. Neither ‘fault’ party or ‘non-fault party are currently able to acquire information from Staffordshire police due to ‘unexpected’ staffing issues.

These unforeseen staffing issues, seemingly beyond the constabulary’s control, also means they are unable to comply with the statutory 20 working day deadline for Freedom of Information requests.

If something that happened was ‘unforeseen’, it was not expected to happen or known about beforehand. The staffing issue arose in 07/2023. Four months later the issue was conveyed to the ICO. The problem persists.

More about the history, the time line, can be read here.

How is an issue, apparent in July 2023 still ‘unforeseen’?

27/09/2024 FoIA update:

Due to unforeseen staffing issues beyond our control, Staffordshire Police will be unable to observe the statutory 20 working day deadline for all Freedom of Information requests.
We apologise for the reduced level of service during this time.
In order to assist us in maintaining a level of service to all requesters, if at any point you no longer require the requested information please let us know and your request can be closed.
Both the Information Commissioners Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council have been made aware of this position.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Team
Staffordshire Police